15 Ways to Make Money on TikTok in 2025: Start Earning Now!

15 best ways to make money on TikTok and boost your income

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1. Join the TikTok creator fund

TikTok Creator Fund compensates creators for creating popular, high-engagement content. You must be aged 18 and above, have 10,000+ followers, and earn a minimum of 100,000 views in the last 30 days. The more interactions and views your videos get, the better. Although the rates of payout differ, it's a good place to begin if you have an audience that is growing.

Example: @itsjojosiwa, having millions of followers, rakes in money from her regular, family-friendly content. She makes frequent high-engagement videos and is supported by the fund depending on watch time and reach. Even though leading creators can earn thousands per month, even medium-sized influencers make hundreds of passive income.

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1. Sell merchandise

Designers can create and sell their own technology-branded merchandise, i.e., t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, or even digital products. Designers can connect stores like Shopify or Printful to their TikTok bio or TikTok Shop, enabling direct selling to the audience. Content that shows your merch being used or incorporated into new styling is usually more successful.

Example: @dudewithsign has outlandish slogans placed on signs and then turned those into merchandise like hoodies and mugs. Because the followers liked the messages, they proudly wore the branded item, generated a lot of ecommerce sales through TikTok.

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1. Use TikTok's live gifts

While you are live streaming on TikTok, the audience can purchase and gift you virtual gifts (roses, pandas, and even lions and diamonds) with TikTok Coins. The gifts get exchanged for "Diamonds" for the creator, and the diamonds can be exchanged for real money. Interactive and engaging live streams push the audience to send more gifts, making it one of the most effective ways to make money on TikTok live.

Example: @bellapoarch draws in her followers during live Q&A sessions and gets regular gifting from admirers. Through interactive livestreams, she can build a dedicated group of fans and earn money even beyond uploaded content.

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1. Collaborate with affiliates on the creator marketplace

The TikTok Creator Marketplace is a formal marketplace that brings brands together with qualified creators to collaborate on paid content and affiliate programs. Brands can find creators, view their analytics, and offer campaigns. Creators then create sponsored material, advertising products or services and collecting a commission in sales or a flat rate.

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1. Setup a TikTok shop

TikTok Shop enables creators and businesses to sell products in-app directly. You can sell your own merchandise or become an affiliate of other brands' merchandise on TikTok Shop and earn a commission from sales generated via your videos, live streams, or product showcase tab on your profile. It provides an in-app shopping experience and is a great way to make money on TikTok Shop.

Example: @mikaylanogueira, who's a beauty influencer, leverages TikTok Shop to sell her go-to makeup products. She drops items on during tutorials and hauls, so viewers can buy them directly without exiting the app—both making her commissions and brand deals.

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1. Create in-feed ads for brands

Outside of official partnerships, content creators are hired by brands specifically to create user-generated content (UGC) that is used as in-feed advertisements. These advertisements come across natively on users' "For You" pages and are frequently indistinguishable from organic content, rendering them extremely effective. Creators are compensated for creating the content which a brand then uses as an ad.

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1. Crowdfund projects

If you have a particular project, creative endeavour, or even personal aspiration (such as saving for a new camera to create better content), you can tap into your TikTok community to fundraise. You could point your fans towards outside resources such as Patreon, Kickstarter, or GoFundMe via your bio link, detailing your project and requesting contributions.

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1. Gather tips and donations

Like crowdfunding, but sometimes for continuous support as opposed to a particular project. Creators may establish virtual tip jars or donate links (e.g., PayPal, Buy Me a Coffee, or other third-party websites) within their bio. This enables devoted fans to express appreciation and financially support the creator directly through small, voluntary donations.

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1. Offer subscription services

For very committed viewers, there is a "LIVE Subscription" feature on TikTok, where creators can provide special content or benefits for a regular monthly subscription. This might be subscriber-exclusive live streams, subscriber badges, custom emotes, or subscriber-only Q&A sessions. It is a steadier, more predictable stream of income.

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1. Launch a TikTok series

The TikTok Series is a paid option where you package several videos as a series that can be bought by users. It's ideal for sharing high-quality content such as online courses, how-to tutorials, fitness regimes, or episodes of storytelling. A series is allowed to contain a maximum of 80 videos with a maximum duration of 20 minutes per video.

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1. Grow and sell TikTok accounts

Certain creators create niche pages (such as meme pages, pet clips, or aesthetic edits) and sell them to companies or other influencers. This is a good move if you're good at making viral content and can build a following in a niche within a short period of time.

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1. Offer custom shout-outs

The creators who are close to their fans can provide personalized video shout-outs for money. Fans may pay for birthday greetings, motivational quotes, or wishes to friends. This model has been made popular by platforms such as Cameo, and creators can directly promote this service on TikTok.

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1. Repost viral content for profit

You may repost and curate popular TikTok videos with permission or add original commentary or remixes. This assists with developing niche pages rapidly around viral structures. Once your account is popular, monetize with shout-outs, affiliate links, or paid shout-outs. Ensure you're always abiding by TikTok's content policies as well as crediting original creators where appropriate.

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1. License your content

If your TikTok video goes viral, you can license it to websites such as Jukin Media, ViralHog, or Newsflare. These sites pay you whenever your content is utilized by media or publishers. It's an excellent means of making money outside of views on TikTok. Ensure your content is original and of good quality for licensing approval.

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1. Promote affiliate products

Sponsored from platforms such as Amazon Associates, Impact, or TikTok's affiliate program and receive a commission for each sale through your special link. Develop product reviews, tutorials, or feature products you actually use. Put affiliate links in your bio and make compelling calls to action within your videos. This strategy works best for YouTubers with beauty, technology, fitness, or lifestyle niches.

Example: @techreviewsdaily showcases gadgets and mobile accessories while linking products via Amazon Associates and TikTok's affiliate system. Their short, informative videos drive viewers to the link-in-bio and convert well, especially when paired with discount codes or "Amazon must-haves."

CapCut Web: A bonus tool to enhance your TikTok monetization

To succeed on TikTok, content quality matters as much as strategy. CapCut Web offers an all-in-one solution for creating professional, eye-catching videos that boost engagement and income. With CapCut Web's AI video editor, customizable templates, smart captions, filters, and royalty-free music, CapCut Web makes your content look polished and trend-ready. Whether you're showcasing products, creating tutorials, or promoting affiliate links, these enhancements help retain viewer attention and drive action. Plus, its intuitive interface saves you time, letting you focus on growing your brand and monetizing faster. For serious creators, CapCut Web is an essential tool in the monetization toolkit.

Key features

• AI-powered subtitles/captions: Automatically generate accurate captions for your videos, significantly boosting accessibility and discoverability. Videos with captions perform better, reaching viewers who watch without sound and expanding your audience base. This feature saves immense time on manual transcription.
• Extensive template library: Access a vast collection of pre-designed templates specifically tailored for trending TikTok formats. These templates help you quickly create professional and viral-ready content. You can effortlessly jump on new trends, ensuring your videos always feel fresh and relevant.
• Rich effects & filters: Enhance your videos with a diverse array of visual effects, filters, and free video transitions. These tools make your content more dynamic, visually appealing, and engaging for viewers. Captivating aesthetics are crucial for grabbing and holding attention on TikTok.
• Trending music & sound effects: Add background music and compelling sound effects directly from CapCut Web's expansive library. Using trending audio is vital for TikTok's algorithm, boosting your content's discoverability and increasing its chances of going viral. Stay current with ease.
• Text-to-speech functionality: Convert written AI text to voice, perfect for explainer videos, storytelling, or adding professional narration. This feature eliminates the need for recording your own voice, offering a versatile tool for various content styles. It's ideal for tutorials or informational clips.
• Background removal: Easily remove or replace video backgrounds without needing a physical green screen. This allows for incredibly creative visual storytelling and helps produce professional-looking content even with simple setups. You can transport your subjects anywhere virtually.

Step-by-step guide on how CapCut Web can boost your earning potential

Creating high-quality content is key to making money on TikTok, and CapCut Web makes it easier than ever. Whether you're just starting out or scaling your brand, the following steps will help you turn creativity into income using this powerful tool.

Method 1: Using video editor

STEP 1
1. Upload media

Your first step is to sign up for CapCut Web using the link provided above. Once registered, navigate to your dashboard and click on the "New video" option under the "Video" tab to get started.

In the editor, locate the "Media" tab on the left-hand sidebar. Click "Upload" or simply drag and drop your video clips, images, and audio files directly from your computer into the media library. CapCut Web also supports importing from cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

STEP 2
1. Edit and enhance video

Once your media is uploaded, drag your desired clips from the "Media" library down to the timeline at the bottom of the screen to start building your video. Utilize the tools found on the left and right panels to enhance your video. For instance, click on "Text" to add captions (using AI auto-captions for efficiency), "Audio" to add trending music, and explore "Effects" and "Filters" for visual adjustments. You can also trim, split, adjust speed, and refine colors using controls directly on the timeline or in the right-hand adjustment panel.

Additionally, leverage "Smart tools" found on the right-hand panel for advanced enhancements. These include "Auto reframe" to quickly adjust video dimensions, "Retouch" for enhancing beauty in faces and bodies, "Remove background" from videos and photos, and "Camera tracking" to automatically follow a selected target in your footage.

STEP 3
1. Export and share

Once your video is finalized and ready, locate the prominent "Export" button, typically positioned in the top right corner of the CapCut Web interface. Click "Export." A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to customize settings such as resolution (e.g., 1080p for TikTok, or 4K for higher quality), quality presets, and frame rate (e.g., 30fps or 60fps). Choose the optimal settings for your TikTok upload. After clicking the final "Export" button within the pop-up, CapCut Web will render your video. Once rendering is complete, you will typically be presented with direct options to "Share to TikTok" or download the finished video file to your device, making it ready for immediate upload to your TikTok profile.

Method 2: Using templates

STEP 1
1. Choose a template

From the CapCut Web dashboard after logging in, look for the "Templates" tab on the left-hand sidebar. Click on it to browse the extensive library of pre-designed templates. From the template categories, click on "TikTok" to view templates specifically designed for the platform.

Select a template that aligns with your content idea or a current TikTok trend by clicking on it. A preview window will often appear; click "Use this template" to open it in the editor.

STEP 2
1. Customize with your content

Once the template loads, you'll see placeholder video clips and text. Click on each placeholder to replace it. Upload your own photos and video clips from your media library or computer to insert into the designated template sections. Alternatively, use the "Batch replace" option for a quick, collective swap of all template clips. Edit the placeholder text to add your own message, calls to action, or product details. You can also modify music or adjust the volume provided by the template to better suit your brand, if desired.

STEP 3
1. Export and share

After customizing the template with your content and ensuring it looks perfect, locate the "Export" button, typically found in the top right corner of the CapCut Web interface. Click "Export." A pop-up will allow you to adjust settings like resolution (e.g., 1080p), quality, and frame rate. Choose settings optimized for TikTok. Once you click the final "Export" button, CapCut Web will process your video. Upon completion, you'll usually be given direct options to "Share to TikTok" or download the finished file to your device, ready to post and boost your monetization efforts.

Quick tips to make money on TikTok

• Strategize consistent, quality posts: Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that genuinely resonates with your audience. Utilize TikTok Analytics to understand what performs best and adapt your content strategy accordingly, prioritizing quality over sheer quantity.
• Captivate viewers instantly: To maximize watch time and engagement, capture your audience's attention immediately. Use strong visual hooks, fast-paced edits, clear text overlays, and captivating visuals right from the beginning of your video.
• Build an engaging community: Foster a strong connection by actively interacting with your audience. Reply to comments, ask questions to encourage interaction, and invite users to create stitches or duets with your content. This boosts visibility and builds loyalty.
• Optimize your bio for conversions: Transform your TikTok bio into a powerful sales tool with clear and compelling calls to action. Use a link-in-bio tool to consolidate and direct your followers to your various monetization channels, such as your products, services, or affiliate links.
• Blend trends with lasting content: While participating in trending sounds and challenges offers quick exposure, they also dedicate efforts to creating evergreen content. This type of content remains relevant over time, helping you build a consistent and loyal audience base for long-term growth and monetization.

Debunking misconceptions related to making money on TikTok

TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms, but with its rise in popularity, several misconceptions have surfaced. Let's clear up some of the most common myths about TikTok and its monetization potential:

You have to have millions of followers to earn money

Myth: It is a general misconception that you have to have millions of followers to earn money on TikTok.

Fact: A large following is helpful, but it's not the only determining factor. Opportunities for monetization such as brand collaborations, the Creator Fund, and affiliate marketing are available to creators with smaller, engaged followers. Regular high-quality content can attract partnerships with even a modest following.

TikTok is only for younger audiences

Myth: TikTok is assumed to be used only by teenagers and young adults, which restricts monetization possibilities among other age groups.

Fact: Even though younger users contributed to its rapid growth, the demographics of TikTok are increasing. Most popular creators belong to the 30s, 40s, or even older age groups, producing content based on niches such as finance, cooking, parenting, and business.

TikTok is used only for dance videos and entertaining content

Myth: TikTok is assumed to be used only for lighthearted, dance, or entertainment content.

Fact: Although entertaining content does exceedingly well, TikTok also features an enormous collection of educational, information-based, and professional content. Most people manage to monetize their content by posting expertise, tutorials, business tips, and behind-the-scenes views of their workplace.

TikTok's algorithm is impossible to beat

Myth: Some creators become frustrated, thinking that TikTok's algorithm is an enigmatic, unscalable wall to popularity and visibility.

Fact: Although intricate, the algorithm largely rewards engagement and user interest. By always producing high-quality, relevant content, leveraging trending sounds and hashtags, and spurring interaction, creators can dramatically increase their visibility and reach on the platform.

You can't make money on TikTok without being a content creator

Myth: Many believe that the only way you can make money on TikTok is if you're actively producing and featuring in videos.

Fact: You can generate income through several indirect pathways, even if you're not a front-facing content creator. This involves providing services such as TikTok account management, ad campaign execution for clients, or offering TikTok-specific social media marketing and consulting services.

Deleting or editing videos negatively impacts your TikTok performance

Myth: Creators avoid deleting or editing older videos because they fear harming their account's overall performance or algorithmic visibility.

Fact: Over-deletion of content can flag an account as problematic, but selective editing or deletion of poorly performing material to keep a high-quality profile is not necessarily damaging. Sustained, quality content is more important to long-term success.

You must remain perpetually viral in order to win

Myth: Pressure to make each and every video viral can result in creator burnout and pessimism regarding monetization potential.

Fact: Real success and sustainable revenue on TikTok result from creating a passionate, loyal following and providing consistent value, rather than going after one-off viral hits. A loyal audience offers a more stable and forecastable way to monetize in the long term.

TikTok is only a platform for having fun and doesn't have support for professional content

Myth: This myth suggests TikTok is not serious or equipped for professional business or educational purposes.

Fact: Numerous businesses, consultants, educators, and professionals use TikTok actively to create brand awareness, drive leads, and sell courses or services. Its short-form video capability is great for fast tips, demonstrations, and captivating learning bites, demonstrating its capability as a professional platform.

It is not possible to earn money without posting several times a day

Myth: The myth that a very high posting frequency (e.g., several times a day) is the sole path to monetization can be intimidating for creators.

Fact: Although consistency is certainly essential, the relevance and interactivity of your content tends to be more valuable than mere quantity. Creating quality, engaging videos several times a week can prove significantly more useful to audience growth and monetization than low-effort, daily posts that viewership-wise get scrolled past in no time.

Conclusion

TikTok continues to offer a vibrant landscape for creators and businesses to generate income, with 15 proven strategies from the Creator Rewards Program to affiliate marketing. Success hinges on consistent, high-quality content that truly engages your audience, effectively debunking common myths about follower counts. To maximize your earning potential, CapCut Web is an indispensable tool; its intuitive interface and AI-powered features empower you to create professional, eye-catching videos efficiently. Ready to transform your TikTok presence into a powerful income stream? Start crafting standout content with CapCut Web today and watch your income soar!

FAQs

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1. How to make money on TikTok without followers?

You can start making money on TikTok even with a few followers by focusing on highly targeted affiliate marketing or by offering specialized services showcased in your niche. A single, exceptionally well-produced and engaging video, perhaps refined using CapCut Web's professional editing tools, can go viral, attracting immediate attention from potential brand partners or customers, opening up early monetization avenues.

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1. How to make money on TikTok by watching videos?

Directly making money on TikTok just by watching videos isn't a primary or reliable income method; significant engagement rewards are typically reserved for content creators. While TikTok might occasionally offer minor incentives for specific viewing activities, substantial earning opportunities are primarily for creating valuable content or participating in value-driven activities like promoting products. CapCut Web supports creators in producing content, which is where real monetization lies.

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1. What are the best practices for growing my TikTok following organically?

To grow your TikTok following organically, consistently post high-quality content relevant to your niche. Engaging with trending sounds and popular hashtags will boost discoverability, while genuine interaction with your audience through comments and duets builds community. Utilizing CapCut Web's intuitive editing and template features helps you produce visually appealing and trend-aligned videos efficiently, attracting more organic followers.

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1. Can I make money on TikTok by promoting other creators' content?

Yes, you can indirectly make money by promoting other creators' content, especially if it leads to affiliate opportunities or paid collaborations. For instance, you might earn commissions by promoting their products or gain audience exposure through strategic collaborations. Using CapCut Web to create polished edits for these promotional or collaborative videos can significantly enhance their effectiveness and your professional appeal.